Audiobook Review: Heir of Light by Michelle Sagara

Heir of Light
Author: Michelle Sagara
Narrator: Khristine Hvam
Series: The Academia Chronicles (Book 2)
Publication: Harlequin Audio (May 27, 2025)
Length: 16 hours and 47 minutes

Description: There is always a price to be paid for power and justice.

With the Academia now awakened from its centuries-long slumber, Robin, a student who hails from a prestigious family, must own up to his destiny. As heir to the Gardianno seat, a highly coveted position within the human caste court, Robin stands to inherit great power when he assumes his birthright—but at what cost?

Under the guidance of a formidable Barrani lord named Teela, Robin wrestles with his newfound duties and the societal complexities that come with the privilege. Soon, however, it’s apparent that others feel entitled to the seat…and they’re willing to do the unthinkable in order to get it.

With Teela and his best friend, Raven, at his side, Robin is ready to battle for what is rightfully his. But when the Halls of Law consider reopening the investigation into the baffling murder of his parents, the truth could lead Robin right to the heart of danger.

My Thoughts: HEIR OF LIGHT is the second book in the Academia Chronicles. In it young Robin is under threat. He has learned that he is the heir to the Gardianno which is a repository of incomplete thoughts left over when the ancients created his world. Many see these thoughts as a source of incredible power with Robin the only thing standing in the way of using them. 

While he is safe at the Academia, he is in danger of assassination if he leaves the grounds. He would be mainly content to stay at the Academia, but the Gardianno is in need of his care. He needs a guardian because he is still a child, but the most usual guardian has already attempted to murder him. 

Robin would also like to reopen the investigation into the deaths of his parents and older siblings but according to Imperial law, human versus human crimes can only be investigated by the human caste court which has already "investigated." If there was any evidence of interference by another race, the crime could be investigated by the Hawks who are the Imperial investigative force. 

In order to pursue his goals, he needs help which leads to petitioning the dragon emperor who can assign him a more useful guardian. In this case, An'Teela of the Barani and who is very powerful herself has an interest in Robin's welfare.

This book has a mysterious guardian who has been with Robin since his mother sent him to the Warrens in an attempt to save his life and a sword of historic importance and which contains an ancient being of its own. Along with An'Teela and the chancellor of the Academia who is also a dragon, Robin will have help reclaiming his inheritance.

I enjoyed this epic fantasy. I liked the world building. 

I bought this one May 27, 2025. You can buy your copy here.